From its founding in 1896, Menaul School has been committed to promoting socio-economic diversity among its student body.  In 2008, Menaul School awarded approximately $350,000 in financial aid and scholarships to a large number of students who otherwise might not have found it possible to attend Menaul School.

The school’s financial aid budget is constantly being increased to try to keep pace with the needs of our students.  However, it is important to note that each year the need for financial aid far exceeds the school’s resources.  Therefore, it is paramount to apply for financial aid in a timely fashion.

The financial aid application is mailed out to families in December and is due to School and Student Services in February.  Menaul School hosts a Financial Aid help session in February to assist families in completing their Financial Aid forms.

The Process
Menaul School is a member of the School and Student Services for Financial Aid (SSS) based in Princeton, New Jersey.  SSS assists independent schools across the country in determining a family’s financial need and ability to pay tuition.  The Report of Family Contribution (RFC), which is computed by SSS, is reviewed by our Financial Aid Committee and serves as a guideline in making financial aid decisions.  SSS does not make the awards and the RFC is only a guideline.  It also does not commit the school to any specific award or amount.  If an unusual situation exists, please inform the Financial Aid committee so that they can take it into account.

Awards
All aid is awarded in the form of grants, which do not require repayment.  Generally, grants will be awarded in amounts from half of tuition to a small percentage of full tuition.  The grant amount is based on documented and proven financial need.

Who may apply?
Anyone, however, no aid is given to international students.

Does applying for Financial Aid influence the admission decision? 
No.  Menaul School accepts students based on academic merit, test score, and personal qualities.  Financial Aid files are reviewed and awards are made only after a student has been admitted.  If a student is neither admitted nor placed on the waiting list, the Financial Aid file is destroyed.  The file is also destroyed if an award was made and the student decides not to attend.

What happens if the parents are divorced or separated?
Menaul School believes that despite situations of divorce or separation, parents have an obligation to pay for the educational expenses of their children to the extent that they are able and that takes precedence over the school’s responsibility to provide Financial Aid. 

The Financial Aid committee will consider the assets of both natural parents, if living, before making any award and cannot be bound by the assertion that one parent has disclaimed any responsibility for educational expenses.

In view of this policy, it is necessary that both natural parents fill out a Parent Financial Statement form.  It is the responsibility of the custodial parent to ask the non-custodial parent to fill out this form.

Waiving the requirement of the non-custodial parent will be considered only under the following circumstances:

• When documentation is provided that states the location of the non-custodial parent is unknown.
  
• Or, documentation shows that the non-custodial parent has provided no support and has had no contact with the family for at least two years.  Written documentation will be accepted from a doctor, lawyer, minister, or any such person outside the immediate family.

Are there any other sources of Financial Assistance other than through the school?

Few organizations provide financial aid funds for students below the college level.  Keep in mind that many provide funding on a “lottery” basis.  Here are a few organizations and Web sites you may wish to contact:

Educate New Mexico
505-797-4002
Educatenm.org

Children’s Scholarship Fund
1-888-905-9009

Scholarshipfund.org

Finaid.org

Native American students should check with their individual tribes for specific policies regarding funding.

If you have any questions regarding the Financial Aid process, please contact the Admission Office at 341-7223.